How we chose the cover: January/February 2016 Canadian Geographic

Photo: The centre image of Kamookak standing near his Arctic home of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, (which nabbed 37 per cent of the tally) barely beat out the two close-up profile images (which garnered 32 and 31 per cent).

It’s pretty much a guarantee. An issue of Canadian Geographic with a bear or wolf on the cover will sell particularly well on the newsstand. So, we’re always on the lookout for other cover subjects that can sell as well. And based on the results of our January/February 2016 issue cover vote, we may just have found one. (Each issue we solicit feedback from Canadian Geographic followers to help us choose the cover.)

While individuals rarely grace the front of Canadian Geographic, the team decided to feature Inuit historian Louie Kamookak on this edition. Kamookak’s work was critical to last year’s discovery of one of Sir John Franklin’s famed ships.

The image of Kamookak standing near his Arctic home of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, (which nabbed 37 per cent of the tally) barely beat out the two close-up profile images (which garnered 32 and 31 per cent), an indication that voters were having a hard time deciding between these three compelling options. Many comments on the potential covers echoed that belief, with numerous voters noting that featuring a strong Inuit role model was in and of itself an impactful statement.

That, of course, was the principal reasoning for putting Kamookak on the cover: honouring and recognizing the enormous — and continuing — contribution he is making to Canadian geography. Here’s hoping newsstand magazine buyers are captivated in the same way — and that we can add Inuit heroes to our list of cover themes that work the very best.

If you don’t already receive our cover vote email but want to, sign up here. And if you’re not a subscriber to Canadian Geographic already, be sure to get your copy of the January/February 2016 issue by subscribing today.